Micro surgical instrument

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to a microsurgical instrument, in particular to a ophthalmologic instrument for use especially but not exclusively in surgery of the retina of an eye of the type having a housing configured as a handle and an axial probe operatively connected to the housing, wherein the probe is configured for receiving an axially extended rod with a head piece configured for microsurgical procedures.

0002The present invention concerns problems that arise in surgical treatment of retinal diseases, as for example resulting from hypertonia, or other vascular changes. In a typical disease where vascular changes are the origin, a venous branch occlusion (phlebemphraxis) can occur at the crossing point of an artery and a vein. In the area of the crossing the artery and the vein are surrounded by a substantially transparent skin sheath or membrane and the artery which overlays the vein can press on the vein such that the vein may be squeezed off in such a manner that an occlusion occurs resulting in an obstruction of the blood flow.

0003Experiments have shown that by surgically cutting or removing this skin membrane by means of an ophthalmologic instrument, venous branch occlusions can be substantially eliminated or prevented. During microsurgery the transparent skin membrane is removed and the artery separated from the vein for blood flow to resume in this area. When using the conventional microsurgical instruments separation of the artery from the vein may result in the injury to the artery or injury to the underlying vein. Furthermore, the artery may be “pinched” by the microsurgical instrument during separation leading to trauma or injury of these delicate blood vessels.

0004It would thus be desirable and advantageous to provide an improved surgical instrument with which these shortcomings can be overcome.

0005When carrying out this micro surgery it is important that the artery is being moved away from the vein by a small pull motion in such a manner that the vein is being laid free but that the pull motion on the artery is carried out without the artery being squeezed off, pinched or constricted in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0006According to one aspect of the present invention an improved ophthalmologic instrument is provided which is designed to obviate the afore-stated shortcomings and which is configured for retaining these delicate blood vessels by providing an instrument for easy retention and grasping of the microstructures.

0007In another aspect, the present invention provides an improved ophthalmologic instrument with two grasping arms that permit freely holding delicate micro structures such as blood vessels or similar.

0008These aspects, and others which will become apparent hereinafter, are attained in accordance with the present invention, wherein the microsurgical instrument has a probe attached with a rod axially disposed therein, the rod has a head piece from which two arms extend in axial direction which are separated by a slot and which can be spread apart relative to each other for a spring elastic pretensioning. At their respective front ends, the arms are so configured that when moving the arms toward each other in a closing motion, a recess is formed which is dimensioned perpendicular relative to the rod axis in which recess a microstructure such as a blood vessel can be easily and freely retained and held.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

0009The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a horizontal section on an enlarged scale of an eye during intra-ocular surgery with a surgical instrument according to the invention inserted into the vitreous humor in the vicinity of crossed blood vessels which is indicated by a circle K;

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a partial view of the section in the eye circled as K in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with the blood vessel system seen is in a 3-dimensional view with a blood vessel being held by the grasping element of the microsurgical instrument as during micro surgery;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of the surgical instrument with the probe and the grasping element disposed therein;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a section view of the functional unit on an enlarged scale with the probe and a rod disposed therein with the schematically depicted grasping element;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows the functional unit according to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> with the grasping element in a closed position;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a partial section on an enlarged scale of the tube shaped probe with a first variation of the grasping element integrally formed at the rod and in open position;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side view of the probe shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> with the rod and the grasping element.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a section of the probe according to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> with the rod and the grasping element;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a front view of the grasping element along the arrow A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> disposed in the probe with the rod;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a section view of the probe with the rod and the grasping element along line B—B in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is another variation of the rod with the integrally formed grasping element of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> in an open position;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a section of the rod along line C—C in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a section of the probe of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> showing a second variation of the grasping element integrally formed at the rod in an open position;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a view of the probe of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> with the grasping element in a closed position;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a section view of the probe according to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> with a further variation of the grasping element disposed at the rod in an open position;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a view of the probe of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> with the grasping element in a closed position;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a partial 3-dimensional view with a partial sectional view of a further variation of the functional unit of the ophthalmologic instrument of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a section of a partial view along line D—D in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> of the probe with the rod disposed therein and a light guide;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a section of a partial view along line E—E of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> with the rod and the respective light guide;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a top view along arrow F in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> of the partial front piece of the probe with the light guide and the head piece configured as a grasping element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0030Throughout all the Figures, same or corresponding elements are generally indicated by same reference numerals.

0031Turning now to the drawing, and in particular to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, there is shown in a schematic horizontal section on an enlarged scale a human eye, generally designated by reference numeral <b>20</b> and including the cornea <b>1</b>, the iris <b>2</b>, the sclera <b>3</b>, the pars plana <b>4</b>, the vitreous humor <b>5</b> with its vitreous chamber <b>5</b>.<b>1</b>, the lens <b>6</b>, the retina <b>7</b>, the ciliary processes <b>8</b>, (zonule fibers). In the eye background the disc shaped optic disk <b>10</b> is shown where the nerve fibers of the retina are gathered into the optic nerve bundle <b>9</b> from where they leave the eye.

0032The central artery and venous system generally designated with <b>11</b> which is surrounded by the optic nerve bundle <b>9</b> branches into several branches in the optical disc <b>10</b> jointly forming the two blood vessel systems <b>15</b> and <b>15</b>.<b>1</b>. The blood vessel system <b>15</b> which is schematically depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> comprises the arteries <b>12</b> and veins <b>13</b> which for example are shown in crossed-over position in the area designated as <b>14</b> and are joined together by a relatively thin, transparent sheath or membrane of skin (FIG. <b>2</b>). Arteries <b>12</b> and veins <b>13</b> of each of the blood vessel systems <b>15</b>, respectively <b>15</b>.<b>1</b> each have an outer diameter of about 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm.

0033There is further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> a probe <b>46</b>, which is configured as an elongated needle for insertion through a surgical incision <b>4</b>.<b>1</b> at the area of the pars plana <b>4</b> into the vitreous humor <b>5</b>.<b>1</b>. The probe <b>46</b> has a diameter of about 1 mm and has an inner diameter of about 0.8 mm. Axially disposed within the probe <b>46</b> is a rod with a front end projecting from the probe <b>46</b>; a head piece <b>50</b> is disposed at the front end of the rod which is configured for the grasping, retaining and holding of micro structures. Preferred embodiments and variations of the headpiece <b>50</b>, which is configured as a grasping element, are described in the following paragraphs.

0034In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> the area <b>14</b> of the blood vessel system <b>15</b> which has been designated with a circle K in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is depicted in a 3-dimensional and enlarged view, where a portion of the artery <b>12</b> which is overlying the vein <b>13</b> seen as lying underneath the artery <b>12</b> is retained by the grasping element of the head piece <b>50</b> projecting from the probe <b>46</b>. As schematically shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the artery <b>12</b> and vein <b>13</b> situated in area <b>14</b> are surrounded by a substantially transparent sheath or membrane of skin <b>16</b> and joined together thereby. In the area where the artery <b>12</b> overlays the vein <b>13</b>, venous branch occlusion can occur, a condition wherein the vein <b>13</b> is being pressed together by the artery <b>12</b> which can result in the vein being squeezed or pinched which can lead to partial or complete occlusion. By cutting open the skin sheath <b>16</b>, as for example seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> by the schematically represented line <b>17</b>, or by removing the skin sheath <b>16</b> altogether, such venous branch occlusions can be substantially prevented or eliminated when the artery is moved such that the vein is no longer squeezed or pinched. Such a microsurgical procedure requires that while the step of cutting or removing the skin sheath is carried out, the artery <b>12</b> is simultaneously removed by a pull motion oriented in the direction of arrow Y and Y′ as indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> by means of the head piece <b>50</b> of the instrument but without the slightest pinching or squeezing effect on the vein <b>13</b>.

0035The headpiece <b>50</b> with the effective recess <b>55</b> is preferably configured in such a manner that the artery <b>12</b> of the eye <b>18</b> can be viewed by the surgeon during the microsurgical procedure along an axis <b>19</b> as schematically depicted in FIG. <b>2</b>.

0036In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> another embodiment of an ophthalmologic instrument <b>25</b> is shown, which is provided with a headpiece <b>50</b> configured as a grasping element especially designed for grasping, retaining and holding microstructures. Instrument <b>25</b> comprises essentially a housing <b>24</b> that is configured as a handle with the housing formed from two semicircular housing parts <b>26</b> and <b>27</b> that are tightly held together at their distal end with closure cap <b>28</b>. Disposed between the two housing parts <b>26</b> and <b>27</b> is a carrying arm <b>29</b> operatively connected to a spreader mechanism <b>30</b> and a guide piece <b>31</b>. The carrying arm <b>29</b> is configured for threadable engagement to a functional unit <b>35</b>, which unit is provided with an actuator <b>40</b> and a probe <b>46</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4</figref>, <b>5</b>), wherein the actuator <b>40</b> is operatively connected to a sliding pin <b>32</b> supported in the guide piece <b>31</b> and the spreader mechanism <b>30</b>.

0037In the embodiment of the instrument <b>25</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, when the two housing parts <b>26</b>, <b>27</b> are moved in the direction of arrow Z, then the sliding pin <b>32</b> which is disposed within the guide piece <b>31</b> is slidably movable by means of the spreader mechanism in axial direction. When the two housing parts <b>26</b>, <b>27</b> are moved in direction of arrow Z′ the sliding pin <b>32</b> is axially slidably moved in opposite direction by means of the restoring force of pressure spring <b>44</b> which is disposed in the functional unit <b>35</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4</figref>, <b>5</b>).

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a section of the functional unit <b>35</b> on an enlarged scale wherein a swivel nut <b>33</b> has a recess <b>33</b>.<b>1</b> with a guide sleeve <b>45</b> supported therein, the guide sleeve <b>45</b> has an intermediary ring <b>33</b>.<b>2</b> and a set collar <b>34</b> disposed on its outer diameter. Set collar <b>34</b> is held at the guide sleeve <b>45</b> with a screwed in setscrew <b>34</b>.<b>1</b>, combining all parts into a constructional unit. The actuator <b>40</b>, which has at one end a cylindrical part <b>42</b> set off from the actuator <b>40</b> and which cooperates with the sliding pin <b>32</b> in a manner not shown in detail here is disposed in a recess <b>45</b>.<b>1</b> in guide sleeve <b>45</b>. Pressure spring <b>44</b> is supported and biassed in the recess <b>45</b>.<b>1</b> of the guide sleeve <b>45</b> of the cylindrical part <b>42</b>.

0039Actuator <b>40</b> has a blind bore <b>41</b> and a corresponding recess <b>41</b>.<b>1</b>. which radially penetrates the actuator <b>40</b>. The blind bore <b>41</b> is configured for receiving and supporting the probe <b>46</b> which is configured as a hollow needle with an elongated rod <b>47</b> supported in the tube shaped probe <b>46</b>. The rod <b>47</b> is disposed at the proximate free end of the headpiece <b>50</b>, preferably the headpiece <b>50</b> is integral with the end of rod <b>47</b>. The tube-shaped probe <b>46</b> is operatively connected with the actuator in a manner not shown here in detail, for example by a glue-, solder- or weld connection. The end of the rod <b>47</b> which is supported in the probe <b>46</b> is secured against axial displacement by means of at least one set screw <b>43</b> which is radially screwed into guide sleeve <b>45</b>. Head piece <b>50</b> which configured for grasping, retaining and holding micro structures is mounted at the other end of the rod <b>47</b> which projects from the tube shaped probe. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, head piece <b>50</b> is shown in substantially open position due to the probe <b>46</b> being retracted in the direction of arrow X′.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows the afore-described functional unit <b>35</b> with each of its elements. In a variation of the unit as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the actuator <b>40</b> is off-set in axial direction according to arrow X against the restoring force of the pressure spring <b>44</b> and relative to the rod <b>47</b> which is secured with the guide sleeve <b>45</b> by means of the set screw <b>34</b>.<b>1</b>. The movement of the tube shaped probe <b>46</b> in axial direction relative to the head piece disposed at the rod <b>47</b> is realized by an ophthalmologist's use of the embodiment of instrument <b>25</b> in as seen in FIG. <b>3</b>.

0041In the following paragraphs, the various embodiments of the rod <b>47</b> disposed in the tube shaped probe <b>46</b> are described in conjunction with the head piece which may be for example integrally formed with the rod and which is configured as a grasping element, wherein the rod is generally designated with <b>47</b> and the head piece generally designated with <b>50</b>.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> each shows on an enlarged scale, a section of the tube shaped probe <b>46</b> with the rod <b>47</b> co-axially disposed therein. In this embodiment, the rod <b>47</b> is configured as an elongated, unitary cylindrical body which, at the portion that projects from the probe <b>46</b>, is provided with the first variation of a head piece <b>50</b> in open position. The inside of the front end of probe <b>46</b> is provided with a chamfer <b>39</b>.

0043The head piece <b>50</b> is configured in such a way that starting from its front end <b>60</b>, rod <b>47</b> is axially slotted and in the area of slot <b>52</b> is divided into two axially extending portions or arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b>. To attain the spring elastic pre-tensioning, the two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> are spread or bent open relative to each other or respectively relative to the symmetrical axis S—S, thereby forming slot <b>52</b> between the two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> in longitudinal direction. In this position, the two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> at each of their opposing sides in the direction of the head piece <b>50</b> are configured as inclined sliding surfaces <b>51</b> and <b>51</b>.<b>1</b> (FIG. <b>6</b>). The sliding planes <b>51</b> and <b>51</b>.<b>1</b> each are configured either as continually straight or as arcuate and inclining.

0044In the front area, the one arm <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> is provided with a first recess <b>55</b>.<b>1</b>, which on its inner side is bounded at the front by a first arcuate shaped wall <b>53</b> with a leg <b>54</b> integrally formed thereon. The other arm <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> is provided with a second recess <b>55</b>.<b>2</b> which on its inner side is bounded by an arcuate shaped second wall <b>53</b>.<b>1</b> with a leg <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> integrally formed thereon. At the ends facing each other, the two legs <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> are each provided with an edge <b>56</b> and <b>56</b>.<b>1</b>. In closed position, the two edges <b>56</b> and <b>56</b>.<b>1</b> are pressed flush against each other perpendicular to the symmetrical axis S—S (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>) forming a commissure <b>60</b>.<b>1</b>.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows a portion of the tube shaped probe <b>46</b> and supported therein. the rod <b>47</b> with the integrally formed head piece <b>50</b> shown in side view. The head piece with recess <b>55</b> oriented perpendicular to the symmetrical axis S—S is configured starting from the front side <b>60</b> in direction of the cylindrical portion of rod <b>47</b> extending in a flaring shape, wherein the two opposite side walls <b>57</b> and <b>57</b>.<b>1</b> of the two walls <b>53</b> and <b>53</b>.<b>1</b> are configured either straight or in arcuate form.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows the probe <b>46</b> with rod <b>47</b> with the integrally formed headpiece <b>50</b> in closed position and the recess <b>55</b>. The axial interior measured length L relative to the symmetrical axis S—S of the recess <b>55</b> formed by the two arcuate recesses <b>55</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>55</b>.<b>2</b> is larger than its interior measured width H. When the head piece <b>50</b> is in closed position, the opposing inner edges (not designated by a numeral) of the two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> are flush pressed together and slot <b>52</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) appears as a commissure <b>52</b>.<b>1</b>. The two legs <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> form at the front end <b>60</b> the commissure <b>60</b>.<b>1</b>.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a front view of the head piece <b>50</b> on an enlarged scale along arrow A of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> with the first leg <b>54</b> shown in a cross sectional and partially cutaway view and the second leg <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> opposite thereto, both integrally formed with the two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> of rod <b>47</b> (FIG. <b>6</b>). In the closed position the correspondingly opposing edges <b>56</b> and <b>56</b>.<b>1</b> of the two legs <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> are pressed together flush along the commissure <b>60</b>.<b>1</b>. Further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is the cylindrical rod <b>47</b> which is disposed within the tube shaped probe <b>46</b> and the commissure <b>52</b>.<b>1</b> formed by the slot <b>52</b>.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows a section along line B—B of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> with the tube shaped probe <b>46</b>, and co-axially disposed therein the rod <b>47</b> with the two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> separated by the slot <b>52</b> and the two legs <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> which are pressed together flush in the area of commissure <b>60</b>.<b>1</b>

0049In another embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the rod <b>47</b> has a head piece <b>50</b> shown in a front view, and in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> the rod <b>47</b> is shown as a profile cross section along line C—C in FIG. <b>11</b>. The head piece <b>50</b> integrally formed at the front end of rod <b>47</b> with parts <b>53</b> and <b>53</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> is configured according to the head piece <b>50</b> as described in connection with FIG. <b>6</b> and FIG. <b>8</b>. In a variation of the embodiment (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>) the rod <b>47</b>, in accordance with FIG. <b>11</b> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, comprises two parts <b>48</b> and <b>48</b>.<b>1</b> configured each with a semicircular profiled cross section. At their distal ends, the two parts <b>48</b> and <b>48</b>.<b>1</b> are connected to each other by means of a laser weld. At their proximate end, the two semicircular profiled parts are separated as arms <b>48</b> and <b>48</b>.<b>1</b> by axial slot <b>52</b> and spread apart relative to each other for spring elastic pretensioning.

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows a section of the tube shaped probe <b>46</b> and the rod <b>47</b> co-axially disposed therein on an enlarged scale. The head piece <b>50</b> configured as a second variation in an open position is seen at the front end of rod <b>47</b>. The rod <b>47</b> is divided into two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> by means of the slot <b>52</b> and at their opposing corresponding sides each is provided with gliding planes <b>51</b> and <b>51</b>.<b>1</b>. that are inclining in the direction of the head piece <b>50</b>. The two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> are spread apart or bent open relative to each other respectively relative to the symmetrical axis S—S. At the front area, arm <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> is provided with a recess <b>55</b>.<b>1</b> which is frontally bounded by an interiorly circular arc profiled first wall and a leg <b>54</b> integrally formed thereon. The other arm <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> is provided with a second recess <b>55</b>.<b>2</b>, which is frontally bounded by an interiorly circular arc profiled wall <b>53</b>.<b>1</b> and a leg <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> integrally formed thereon. In the closed position of the headpiece <b>50</b>, the two recesses <b>55</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>55</b>.<b>2</b> form recess <b>55</b>.

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> shows the probe <b>46</b> with the rod <b>47</b> co-axially disposed therein and the headpiece <b>50</b> with the recess <b>55</b>. In closed position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>) the opposing ends (not designated) of the two frontal legs <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> are pressed flush against each other. In this variation the inside measured axial length L of recess <b>55</b> of headpiece <b>50</b> is smaller than the inside measured width H of the recess <b>55</b>.

0052Shown in FIG. <b>15</b> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a third variation of the rod <b>47</b> axially disposed in the tube shaped probe <b>46</b>, wherein the rod with the integrally formed head piece <b>50</b> is divided by a slot <b>52</b> in axial direction into two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b>. Each of the elements of rod <b>47</b> and the headpiece <b>50</b> are substantially similar to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. <b>13</b> and FIG. <b>14</b>. In a variation of that embodiment, the recesses <b>55</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>55</b>.<b>2</b> of arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> and the two walls <b>53</b> and <b>53</b>.<b>1</b> with legs <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> are configured in a semicircular shape. In the closed position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) the two frontal legs <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> are pressed together flush at their frontal ends (not designated), In this variation the inside diameter M of recess <b>55</b> is approximately equal to the outer diameter of about 1.0 mm of the tube shaped probe <b>46</b>.

0053In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, a further variation is shown in a 3-dimensional view of the ophthalmologic instrument <b>25</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) with functional unit <b>35</b> in threaded engagement with the guide sleeve <b>45</b>. This variation differs from the embodiment as depicted in FIG. <b>4</b> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> in that a first tube piece <b>36</b> is supported at one end of the probe <b>46</b> and at the other end a second tube piece <b>38</b> is attached to probe <b>46</b>. The front end of rod <b>47</b> with the head piece <b>50</b> is configured as a catching element which is co-axially supported in the second tube piece <b>38</b> and projects eccentrically through the probe <b>46</b> which is configured as a hollow needle and the first tube piece <b>36</b>. The first tube piece <b>36</b> with probe <b>46</b> and the second tube piece <b>38</b> together with the actuator <b>40</b> as depicted in FIG. <b>4</b> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, form a unit which is slidable in axial direction.

0054In the area of the guide sleeve <b>45</b> an inlet opening <b>37</b> is provided which corresponds to the dimension of a light guide <b>22</b> in the first tube piece <b>36</b> through which the light guide <b>22</b> is inserted into the interior space <b>46</b>.<b>1</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>) of probe <b>46</b>. As depicted schematically in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the light guide <b>22</b> which is projecting from the exit opening <b>49</b> is exteriorly disposed at second tube piece <b>38</b> in such a manner that the light emitted at the front side <b>23</b> is illuminating the recess <b>55</b> of head piece <b>50</b>.

0055The light guide <b>22</b> is connected to a light source <b>21</b> schematically depicted in FIG. <b>17</b>. The light source <b>21</b> is for example a battery disposed in the housing <b>24</b> of instrument <b>25</b> (FIG. <b>3</b>). In a further variation, the light guide <b>21</b> may be directly connected to an ophthalmologist unit, which is not shown here in detail.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows a section along line D—D of the probe <b>46</b> on an enlarged scale with the eccentrically disposed rod <b>47</b> and the two arms <b>47</b>.<b>1</b> and <b>47</b>.<b>2</b> both shown in a profiled cross section and a light guide <b>22</b> which is likewise eccentrically disposed in the interior space <b>46</b>.<b>1</b>

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows a section on an enlarged scale along the line E—E of the second tube piece of FIG. <b>17</b> and the rod <b>47</b> co-axially disposed therein and a light guide <b>22</b> which is disposed at the exterior of the tube piece <b>38</b>.

0058In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the frontal part is shown in a top view on an enlarged scale along arrow F in FIG. <b>17</b> and the tube shaped probe <b>46</b> with an exit opening <b>49</b> and the second tube piece <b>38</b> disposed thereon with the head piece <b>50</b> in closed position. Further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is the light guide <b>22</b> disposed at the frontal tube piece and projecting through the outlet opening <b>49</b>. The light guide <b>22</b> can be attached to the second tube piece <b>38</b> by means not shown here in detail. The light guide <b>22</b> is preferably provided with a frontal side <b>23</b> that is sloped relative to a longitudinal axis, by means of which the light rays <b>59</b> of the light bundle <b>58</b> at a restricted spatial angle can be directed to the recess <b>55</b> of the head piece <b>50</b>. In another embodiment, a lens is disposed at the frontal side <b>23</b> of light guide <b>22</b> or the light guide itself is configured as a lens.

0059As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the frontal side <b>23</b> of the light guide which is disposed at the exterior of the second tube piece <b>38</b> is flush relative to the frontal side (not designated) of the second tube piece <b>38</b>.

0060It should be understood that each of the described variations relating to the <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-16</figref> of the rods generally referenced as <b>47</b> and the head pieces generally referenced as <b>50</b> are likewise applicable with the embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> to FIG. <b>20</b>.

0061The rod <b>47</b> which is supported in probe <b>46</b> which is configured as a hollow needle is preferably fixed at the actuator <b>40</b> by means of a set screw <b>43</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4</figref>, <b>5</b>) such that the head piece <b>50</b> configured with recess <b>55</b> for grasping, retaining and holding of blood vessel <b>12</b> as schematically depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is well visible to the ophthalmologist.

0062Other variations, modification and structural changes of the device as set forth above are within the realm of persons skilled in the art.

0063While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an ophthalmologic device for microsurgery, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.